endorse
ihn-DAWS
Endorse (verb) means to publicly declare support or approval for a person, product, or idea. Example: “The senator endorsed her opponent's bill on climate change.”
verb
1
To publicly declare support or approval for a person, product, or idea.
"The senator endorsed her opponent's bill on climate change."
"Several athletes endorse this brand of running shoes."
2
To sign the back of a cheque in order to cash or transfer it.
"You need to endorse the cheque before depositing it."
3
(UK) To add a penalty record to a driving licence following a traffic offence.
"His licence was endorsed with points for speeding."
How to use endorse
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo officially back or approve something — or, literally, to sign the back of a document.
Common pairings
endorse a candidate
endorse a cheque
endorse a product
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Word forms
- Plural
- endorses
- Third person singular
- endorses
- Past tense
- endorsed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The senator _____ her opponent's bill on climate change.
Etymology
From Old French endosser ("to put on the back"), from Latin dorsum ("back") — the same root as "dorsal." The "r" was later reinserted under the influence of Medieval Latin indorsare.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for endorse
See all rhymes for endorse →Frequently asked questions
What does “endorse” mean?
The word “endorse” means to publicly declare support or approval for a person, product, or idea. In plain terms, to officially back or approve something — or, literally, to sign the back of a document.
How do you pronounce “endorse”?
“Endorse” is pronounced ihn-DAWS (/ɪnˈdoɹs/ in IPA).
How do you use “endorse” in a sentence?
Here is “endorse” used in a sentence: “The senator endorsed her opponent's bill on climate change.”
What part of speech is “endorse”?
“Endorse” is a verb.
Where does the word “endorse” come from?
The word “endorse” comes from Medieval Latin. From Old French endosser ("to put on the back"), from Latin dorsum ("back") — the same root as "dorsal." The "r" was later reinserted under the influence of Medieval Latin indorsare.
Is “endorse” a common word?
“Endorse” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “endorse” have?
“Endorse” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to publicly declare support or approval for a person, product, or idea.
What is the difference between endorse and recommend?
Endorse usually implies a public, often formal, declaration of support, sometimes with one's reputation or authority behind it, such as a celebrity endorsing a product. Recommend is more general and can be a private or informal suggestion, such as recommending a restaurant to a friend.
What does it mean to endorse a cheque?
Endorsing a cheque means signing the back of it, which is required before it can be cashed or transferred to someone else. This use of endorse is specific to banking and payment processes.
What does it mean when a driving licence is endorsed?
In UK usage, having a driving licence endorsed means a penalty record has been added to it following a traffic offence, such as points for speeding. This is a formal legal record rather than a form of approval.
